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REPORT 

of  tfie 

Committee  on  Church  Efficiency 


Presented  at  the  Jtnnual  Meeting 
of  the  Massachusetts  Congregational 
Conference  held  in  Holyoke,  May, 
1912. 


SBP  2 4 1923 


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REPORT  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  ON  CHURCH 
EFFICIENCY 


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At  the  last  conference  a committee  was  appointed  “ to  study  and  report 
at  the  next  annual  meeting  of  the  Conference  as  to  the  best  application  of 
system  to  the  local  churches  and  to  subsidiary  organizations/’  or,  in  the 
precise  terms  of  the  original  resolution  as  finally  accepted,  “on  the  con- 
dition and  needs  of  our  churches  in  respect  to  their  organization  and 
its  working,  with  a view  to  their  greater  efficiency.” 

The  report  comprises  the  following  items : 

Some  of  the  more  significant  facts  found  by  the  investigation. 

Suggestions  for  constructive  work. 

Outline  of  the  plan  of  investigation. 

Summary  of  investigation,  by  churches. 

Summary  of  investigation,  by  departments. 

Summary  of  significant  facts. 

Recommendations  for  continuation  of  the  work. 

Appendix:  the  questionnaire  used  in  the  investigation. 


SOME  OF  THE  MORE  SIGNIFICANT  FACTS  FOUND  BY  THE 
INVESTIGATION 

The  following  facts  disclosed  by  the  investigation  seemed  to  the  com- 
mittee to  be  significant. 

(1)  We  find  that  those  churches  which  are  most  efficient  have  the  simplest 
organization  of  well-adjusted  parts  as  opposed  to  the  more  usual  type 
consisting  of  a collection  of  independent  branches. 

(2)  We  find  that  in  all  these  churches  where  a given  department  or 
organization  is  subject  to  definite  planning,  we  have  specific  efficiency. 
We  find  the  highest  efficiency  in  the  church  which  has  a central  planning 
body,  which  plans  the  entire  work  of  the  church. 

(3)  We  find  instances  of  marked  efficiency  where  an  individual  or  an 
organization  is  limited  to  a certain  definite  field  in  which  specific  results 
are  expected.  That  is  to  say,  functional  organization  is  an  important 
element  in  promoting  efficiency. 

(4)  We  find  the  dependence  of  the  churches  for  administration  is  placed 
almost  entirely  on  the  minister  rather  than  on  a central  organizing  body. 

(5)  We  find  that  “ speeding  up  ” is  carried  to  excess,  taking  the  place 
of  proper  planning  and  scientifically  determined  standards. 


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(6)  We  find  very  few  cases  of  correlation  between  the  different  organiza- 
tions of  the  church,  but  wherever  this  does  exist  a marked  efficiency  is 
the  result. 

(7)  We  find  no  definite  provision  for  converting  the  religious  instruction 
of  the  pulpit  and  prayer  meeting  into  appropriate  action,  and  in  most 
cases  this  is  also  true  of  the  Sunday-school  instruction. 

SUGGESTIONS  FOR  CONSTRUCTIVE  WORK 

While  our  investigations  have  been  too  limited  to  base  detailed  recom- 
mendations upon  them,  a few  vital  principles  stand  out  clearly.  In  each 
of  the  churches,  which  have  been  selected  because  of  efficient  organization 
in  one  or  more  lines,  the  departments  that  have  been  accomplishing  results 
worth  while,  either  in  spiritual,  educational  or  social  lines,  have  been  those 
which  have  approached  these  principles  in  whole  or  in  part.  On  the  other 
hand,  the  lack  of  recognition  of  these  principles  appears  to  be  one  of  the 
fundamental  defects  in  the  less  efficient  churches. 

The  committee  suggest,  therefore,  the  development  of  church  manage- 
ment along  the  following  lines : 

(1)  A study  in  minute  detail  of  the  problems  confronting  the  church  and 
of  the*  specific  organization  best  adapted  for  meeting  these  problems. 

(2)  A planning  of  the  work  of  the  church  in  detail  by  a central  body. 

(3)  A distribution  of  work  among  departments  and  an  assignment  of 
duties  to  each  individual,  so  that  each  will  have  definite  functions  to 
perform. 

(4)  The  instruction  and  training  of  the  individual  in  the  work  assigned. 

(5)  The  cooperation  of  the  different  departments  and  organizations  in 
adjustment  to  each  other  and  to  the  whole. 

(6)  The  conversion  of  information  into  real  education  and  appropriate 
action. 

The  studies  of  the  problems  must  be  made  not  by  the  minister  alone, 
but  with  the  aid  of  the  professional  and  business  men  of  the  community, 
— men  who  are  doing  large  things  in  the  world,  and  who  have  the  training 
for  management,  which  the  theological  seminary  at  present  inadequately 
supplies.  This  systematizing,  while  avoiding  what  is  termed  “ red  tape,” 
that  is,  mere  machinery  without  useful  product,  must  be  so  firmly  grounded 
as  to  carry  the  working  forces  of  the  church  along  in  the  absence  or  in- 
capacity of  the  minister,  instead  of  being  absolutely  dependent  upon  his 
presence  and  the  strength  of  his  personality. 

For  the  planning  of  the  work  after  organization  as  a whole,  the  very 
best  talent  should  be  available,  and  those  serving  in  this  most  important 
place  should  be  relieved  so  far  as  possible  from  the  details  of  the  work  and 
from  the  executive  functions  which  can  be  laid  out  for  others  to  perform. 

The  layout  of  the  work  not  only  accomplishes  more  effective  results, 
but  develops  the  individual  so  that  he  may  obtain  a grasp  upon  his  duties 
which  will  develop  interest  in  his  task. 


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The  entire  problem  of  functional  as  distinguished  from  group  organiza- 
tion needs  careful  study.  The  great  strides  that  have  been  made  both  in 
education  and  business  have  been  due  largely  to  the  growing  use  of  func- 
tional organization,  with  the  corresponding  increase  of  the  planning  and 
directing  staff. 

Functional  organization  implies  clear  conception  of  purpose,  planning 
the  work,  giving  a definite  share  to  each,  and  working  together  to  ac- 
complish the  purpose. 

The  entire  work  of  the  church  needs  examination  by  tests  of  efficiency 
in  the  correlation  of  different  departments  and  of  different  divisions  in  each 
department. 

In  short,  a definite  measurement,  so  far  as  they  are  capable  of  such 
measurement,  should  be  made  of  all  the  forces  of  the  church  with  their 
proper  valuation  in  their  order,  their  constitution,  their  methods  and  their 
applications  to  their  respective  tasks.  It  is  evident  that  our  churches  are 
moving  out  of  their  old  conventional  formality.  It  is  the  function  of  a 
scientific  method  to  give  order  and  efficiency  to  the  movement. 


OUTLINE  OF  THE  PLAN  OF  INVESTIGATION 

ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  COMMITTEE 

Following  the  appointment  by  the  Conference  last  year,  the  committee 
met  and  organized,  choosing  Dr.  Winchester  as  chairman.  Fifteen  meetings 
have  been  held,  and  the  members  of  the  committee  have  individually 
devoted  considerable  time  to  the  work.  The  committee  has  been  fortunate 
in  having  the  cooperation  of  Dr.  Samuel  W.  Dike,  who  has  attended  the 
meeting  regularly,  and  given  valuable  advice,  based  on  his  long  experience 
in  scientific  investigations  along  social  lines. 

THE  FIELD 

Two  distinct  fields  of  research  were  open  to  the  committee  by  these 
instructions.  First,  a study  of  the  organization  of  the  local  church,  to 
determine  the  basic  principles  that  produce  effective  results;  and,  second, 
a study  of  the  needs  of  the  local  church  and  the  community,  with  a view 
to  determining  the  methods  best  adapted  for  reaching  these  needs. 

After  discussion,  your  committee  reached  the  conclusion  that  the  problem 
of  organization  and  management  should  be  taken  up  first,  and  that  sub- 
sequently this  should  be  followed  by  a study  of  the  scope  of  church  activi- 
ties and  the  methods  best  adapted  for  accomplishing  specific  results. 

It  might  be  thought  that  the  question  of  the  needs  of  the  church  and  the 
community  should  be  studied  first  in  order  to  adapt  the  organization  to 
the  production  of  the  desired  results.  This  would  be  true  if  the  primary 
aim  were  to  recommend  details  of  system;  if,  for  example,  we  proposed 


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to  suggest  just  what  committees  ought  to  be  chosen:  and  what  officers  are 
required  for  an  efficient  church.  The  problem,  however,  is  a much  broader 
and  deeper  one  than  the  mere  study  of  details. 

In  shop  management  the  same  basic  principles  apply  whatever  the  nature 
of  the  product.  In  church  organization  there  must  be  certain  general 
principles  that  will  best  effect  the  spiritual  education  of  the  individual  and 
his  efficiency  in  service,  whatever  the  character  of  the  religious,  educational, 
or  social  work  to  be  accomplished  in  the  community.  As  soon  as  we 
perfect  the  general  plan  of  organization  within  the  church,  the  details  of 
the  system  to  be  applied  can  be  arranged  for  each  particular  case. 

The  first  problem,  then,  must  be  the  determination  of  the  basic  principles 
of  organization  that  will  make  of  the  church  a working  body,  managed  on 
broad  but  definite  lines,  and  ready  for  whatever  special  types  of  work  the 
needs  of  the  local  church  and  community  require. 

THE  PLAN  OF  THE  WORK  OF  THE  COMMITTEE 

Investigations  that  have  led  to  practical  results,  either  in  the  field  of 
applied  science  or  of  social  science,  have  been  conducted  with  a minute 
study  of  detail,  using  comparative  methods  for  testing  the  worth  of  each 
conclusion.  A notable  example  of  this  is  in  the  results  accomplished  by 
Mr.  Frederick  W.  Taylor  in  his  researches  on  the  art  of  cutting  metals.  Be- 
ginning his  experiments  and  tests  in  a field  hidebound  with  its  traditional 
methods,  and  carrying  them  on  for  a period  of  thirty  years,  he  finally 
attained  results  that  have  completely  revolutionized  the  art. 

A committee  report,  not  only  in  connection  with  church  work,  but  in 
other  fields  as  well,  sometimes  takes  up  a problem  for  investigation  either, 
on  the  one  hand,  by  discussing  different  phases  of  the  question  and  report- 
ing conclusions  drawn  simply  from  these  thoughtful  considerations,  or, 
on  the  other  hand,  by  making  a general  superficial  survey  of  the  field  and 
reporting  conditions  as  they  are  found.  Neither  of  these  plans  has  produced 
results  of  permanent  value.  Conclusions  drawn  from  mere  studies  of  a 
question,  no  matter  how  deeply  the  phases  are  considered,  are  bound  to 
be  theoretical  and  academic.  A general  survey  may  show  truthful  condi- 
tions, and  bring  out  deficiencies,  but  will  not  necessarily  indicate  means 
for  improving  the  conditions. 

Instead  of  following  either  of  these  common  plans,  the  committee  pro- 
posed to  analyze  the  problem  in  a more  scientific  manner.  It  was  proposed, 
therefore,  first  to  select  a few  churches  and  study  their  general  organization 
and  the  organization  and  work  of  their  different  departments  in  very 
complete  detail,  with  the  idea  of  following  these  with  other  churches,  so 
as  to  cover  eventually  a broad  range  of  characteristics  and  discover  funda- 
mental principles  of  effective  organization. 

The  aim  of  the  committee  has  been  to  determine  in  the  individual  church 
how  far  it  is  so  organized  as  to  arouse  among  its  members  such  purpose 
and  activity  as  will  become  social  and  evangelizing.  Every  part  of  the 


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church  must  be  challenged  to  discover  its  reason  for  existence,  and  to  see 
if  its  accomplishments  are  toward  that  end. 

After  a general  discussion  of  the  problem  and  a decision  upon  the  plan 
to  follow,  a comprehensive  series  of  questions  was  formulated  with  a view 
to  investigating  thoroughly  the  organization  and  the  working  forces  of  the 
individual  churches.  Experiments  were  then  made  by  the  members  of  the 
committee  by  testing  these  questions  through  a tentative  examination 
of  the  organization  of  their  individual  churches.  This  experimental  study 
showed  the  need  for  still  more  searching  analysis  to  really  reach  the  funda- 
mental principles.  After  further  conference,  a list  covering  nearly  three 
hundred  points  was  prepared  for  use  in  the  research.  This  list  is  presented 
in  the  appendix  to  this  report. 

It  was  realized  at  the  beginning  that  this  investigation  and  study  would 
require  more  time  than  the  few  months  ensuing  before  the  Conference  of 
1912.  Nevertheless,  in  order  to  attain  eventually  something  worth  while, 
with  recommendations  that  could  be  actually  adopted  by  the  churches 
and  make  for  real  efficiency,  it  has  been  thought  best  to  present  the  report 
at  this  meeting  simply  as  a report  of  progress  with  the  recommendation 
that  the  work  be  continued  during  the  coming  year.  No  final  conclusions 
or  recommendations  are,  therefore,  presented. 

SELECTION  OF  CHURCHES 

Through  the  kind  financial  assistance  of  a few  business  men  who  appre- 
ciate the  value  of  organization  as  applied  to  their  own  establishments,  the 
committee  was  able  to  obtain  the  assistance  of  Rev.  Harry  W.  Kimball 
and  also  of  Rev.  Virgil  V.  Johnson,  for  carrying  out  the  plans.  These 
men  were  chosen  because  of  special  qualifications  for  scientific  investiga- 
tions acquired  through  work  done  outside  of  the  ministry. 

Four  churches  were  selected  for  investigation. 

In  choosing  these  churches  we  took  into  account  the  fact  that  when  we 
strive  to  improve  our  business  methods  we  do  not  make  a cursory  inspection 
of  a lot  of  average  establishments,  but  we  select  for  our  study  one  or  two 
that  have  adopted  methods  which  are  producing  efficient  results.  The 
churches  were  selected,  therefore,  not  to  represent  average  conditions,  but 
as  those  which  had  proved  themselves  exceptionally  efficient  in  certain 
well-defined  lines,  and  which  represented  furthermore  a variety  of  local 
conditions. 

Even  with  this  choice,  we  found  in  every  church  serious  fundamental 
defects,  indicating  how  far  even  our  best-managed  churches  are  from  an 
’organization  corresponding  to  what  would  be  considered  absolutely  es- 
sential in  any  business  that  is  paying  dividends. 

METHOD  OF  INVESTIGATION 

Our  investigators  visited  each  of  the  churches  selected,  and  through 
personal  studies  obtained  answers  to  the  questions  prepared  by  the  com- 


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mittee.  They  attended  the  various  services  of  the  church,  talked  with  the 
minister  and  members  of  the  church  and  the  congregation  and  the  com- 
munity, and  presented  the  facts  in  a complete  report  covering  for  each 
church  some  fifteen  to  twenty-five  pages  of  closely-written  matter.  The 
committee  then  took  the  material  and  analyzed  it  carefully.  The  note- 
worthy points  obtained  by  this  analysis  are  presented  in  pages  which 
follow.  The  list  of  questions  are  given  in  an  appendix,  with  the  view  that 
they  may  be  of  assistance  to  many  churches  that  wish  to  test  the  actual 
condition  of  their  organization. 

THE  QUESTIONNAIRE 

The  questions  prepared  by  the  committee  and  used  as  a basis  for  the 
investigations  are  given  in  an  appendix  to  this  report.  The  answers  were 
made  up  in  great  thoroughness  of  detail  and  present  a searching  inquiry 
into  the  organization  and  the  work  that  is  being  accomplished  by  each 
church.  The  significant  facts  and  the  suggestions  for  constructive  work  at 
the  beginning  of  the  report  are  based  strictly  upon  a study  of  this  informa- 
tion. 

To  give  full  records  of  the  results  of  the  inquiries  would  entail  a report 
several  times  its  present  size  and  too  voluminous  for  publication.  Certain 
of  the  more  significant  points  are,  therefore,  summarized  briefly  in  the 
paragraphs  which  follow. 

SUMMARY  OF  INVESTIGATION,  BY  CHURCHES 

The  first  and  smallest  of  the  four  churches  is  in  an  almost  entirely 
residential  section  near  a city,  and  has  about  400  members,  20%  of  whom 
are  absent;  30%  of  the  members  are  men;  42%  of  the  members  are  idle 
or  infirm,  but  many  of  these  are  ready  to  work  when  anything  appears 
for  them  to  do.  The  second  church,  in  a small  city  within  20  miles  of 
Boston  with  a high  class  of  working  people,  has  about  600  members,  with 
23%  non-resident;  27%  of  the  members  are  men;  50%  are  inactive. 
The  third  church,  in  a rapidly  growing  residential  district  with  a population 
of  middle  and  lower  class  people,  has  about  600  members,  but  a smaller 
per  cent  non-resident  members;  33%  of  the  members  are  men;  50%  of 
the  members  are  inactive.  The  fourth  church,  away  from  the  center  of  a 
city  of  considerable  size  with  an  intelligent  population  of  the  middle  class, 
is  one  of  the  dozen  largest  in  the  state,  with  less  than  10%  non-resident 
members;  30%  of  the  members  are  men;  only  25%  are  inactive. 

The  First  Church. 

A church  committee  and  a board  of  religious  instruction  control  all 
the  work  of  the  church.  The  church  has  deacons  and  deaconesses.  The 
officers  of  the  Sunday-school  and  the  instruction  of  the  church  are  under 
the  control  of  the  board  of  religious  instruction. 


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The  Sunday-school  — comprising  the  Knights  of  King  Arthur  (40 
members)  and  the  Queens  of  Avilion  (60  members)  — controls  all  work  for 
the  young;  and  has  a membership  of  134%  of  the  church’s  membership, 
the  average  attendance  being  80%.  Records  are  kept  with  care,  but  few 
or  no  captivating  devices  used.  The  morning  sermons  are  often  correlated 
with  the  Bible  study  of  the  day.  Teachers  are  in  close  personal  touch  with 
their  pupils,  and  the  latter  are  enthusiastic. 

The  Y.  P.  S.  C.  E.  was  given  up.  x 

One  women’s  organization,  with  departments  devoted  to  Foreign  and 
Home  Missions,  and  to  social  suppers,  etc.,  covers  all  the  work  for  women; 
its  membership  is  90%  of  that  of  the  female  membership  of  the  church. 

One  men’s  organization  conducts  a Men’s  Bible  Class,  and  Vesper 
Service  in  the  winter,  but  at  present  is  not  otherwise  assisting  the  church 
or  community;  its  membership  is  125%  that  of  the  male  membership  of 
the  church. 

The  Second  Church. 

A standing  committee  is  charged  with  general  oversight  of  the  work  of 
the  church,  but  no  aim  to  plan  this  work  is  apparent,  nor  are  the  church 
workers  instructed  in  definite  fashion.  Each  organization  is  independent 
of  this  committee,  and  the  real  unifying  force  seems  to  be  the  activity  of 
the  pastor.  He  is  active  in  every  organization  and  an  advisory  member  of 
it.  The  parts  of  the  church  work  are  imperfectly  adjusted  to  each  other. 

The  advisory  board  of  the  Sunday-school,  which  determines  its  course 
of  study,  is  a subcommittee  of  the  church  committee.  The  Sunday-school 
membership  is  100%  that  of  the  church  membership;  the  average  attend- 
ance is  about  half  its  membership.  The  special  features  are  Men’s,  Baraca, 
and  Philathea  classes. 

The  Young  People’s  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor  has  a reputation  for 
unusual  merit.  It  numbers  20%  of  the  membership  of  the  church;  the 
average  attendance  is  one  third  the  membership  of  the  society.  A good 
prayer  meeting  is  the  chief  aim.  The  pastor  has  given  twelve  talks  to 
it  in  the  last  year.  A Junior  Society  includes  the  same  persons  as  the  King’s 
Messengers;  the  meetings  are  led  by  a boy  or  girl. 

This  church  has  a Women’s  Missionary  Society  and  a Ladies’  Benevolent 
Society. 

This  church  has  a Congregational  Club  and  also  a Golden  Rule  Brother- 
hood, the  latter  holding  monthly  meetings  with  addresses.  The  Brother- 
hood develops  friendship  and  has  social  benefits  and  also  helps  its  members 
financially  in  cases  of  sickness  and  death. 

The  Third  Church. 

All  organizations  are  under  the  rules  amenable  to  one  or  the  other  of  the 
two  church  committees,  but  no  effort  is  made  to  carry  this  rule  into  effect. 


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That  is,  there  is  no  planning  on  the  part  of  the  church  or  conscious  effort 
on  the  part  of  the  pastor  at  organic  unity.  There  is  no  cooperation  with 
the  home;  the  public  worship  seems  to  be  the  chief  reliance  of  the  church. 

The  Sunday-school  has  109%  as  many  members  as  the  church  itself. 
It  has  regular  teacher-training  plans.  Many  devices  are  used  to  secure 
attendance;  the  school  seems  aggressive  rather  than  efficient. 

The  Y.  P.  S.  C.  E.  has  a membership  of  40%  of  the  church  membership. 
The  organization  is  quite  independent,  although  the  various  committees 
report  their  plans  to  the  executive  committee.  To  hold  the  interest,  how- 
ever, is  a problem.  There  is  also  a Junior  Society,  including  7%  of  the 
church  membership. 

A women’s  society,  with  committees  on  Foreign  and  Home  Missions. 
Seaman’s  Friend,  etc.,  has  a membership  of  a little  more  than  one  half 
the  female  membership  of  the  church.  There  is  also  a Women’s  Literary 
Club,  with  a membership  of  one  third  the  female  membership  of  the  church; 
this  club  is  not  directly  connected  with  the  church. 

A men’s  society,  with  75%  of  the  male  membership  of  the  church,  has 
been  in  existence  a dozen  years.  It  is  devoted  to  the  interests  of  the  church 
and  to  some  extent  to  civic  welfare.  It  aids  in  sickness  and  death,  espe- 
cially among  its  members,  devoting  to  this  object  entrance  fees  and  monthly 
dues. 

The  Fourth  Church, 

The  organization  of  this  church  makes  it  very  largely  an  organic  whole. 
It  has  a large  board  of  deacons  and  deaconnesses,  — one  to  every  40 
members.  The  pastor’s  Council  is  the  central  authority;  this  is  made  up 
of  the  heads  of  the  various  societies,  superintendent  of  the  Sunday-school, 
etc.  The  pastor  very  largely  initiates  the  work  but  does  not  dictate.  The 
heads  of  departments  plan  the  work  and  submit  plans  to  the  Council; 
reports  are  made  to  the  church  at  the  annual  meeting.  When  members 
unite  with  the  church  they  are  asked  and  expected  to  join  some  organization 
and  to  participate  in  some  of  the  work.  A parish  work  committee  of  100 
and  a welcoming  committee  of  25  are  efficient  parts  of  the  organization. 

The  Sunday-school  membership  is  90%  of  the  church  membership,  — 
nearly  half  of  these  are  members  of  the  church.  An  executive  committee 
of  officers  and  teachers  controls  the  course  of  study.  Good  hymns  are 
chosen  to  train  in  worship.  No  attempt  is  made  in  any  of  these  four  church- 
schools  to  correlate  the  work  to  the  work  of  the  public  day-school. 

The  Y.  P.  S.  C.  E.  membership  is  6%  of  that  of  the  church,  — mostly 
active  members,  of  whom  about  one  fourth  keep  the  pledge.  The  execu- 
tive committee  plans  the  work  each  month.  A good  prayer  meeting  is  the 
leading  but  not  the  sole  aim. 

The  Women’s  Missionary  Society  has  a membership  of  22%  of  the 
female  membership  of  the  church.  This  society  has  the  supervision  of 
three  missionary  organizations  for  young  women,  girls,  and  children. 


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The  Benevolent  Society,  with  a membership  of  20%  of  the  female  member- 
ship of  the  church,  includes  largely  the  same  persons,  and  does  a great 
variety  of  work.  Its  success  is  due  to  definite  work  well  distributed  under 
efficient  officers. 

The  Brotherhood,  with  57%  of  the  male  membership  of  the  church,  is 
effective  in  church  and  in  city  work.  The  president  and  executive  com- 
mittee outline  the  work  and  have  oversight  of  it.  It  has  charge  of  all  work 
for  boys,  — including  their  clubs,  baseball  teams,  etc.,  — of  the  Sunday 
evening  services,  and  of  the  prayer  meeting  once  a month.  It  also  enlists 
interest  in  the  Men’s  Bible  Class.  The  Men’s  Bible  Class,  with  331%  of 
the  male  membership  of  the  church,  is  taught  by  the  pastor.  Its  object 
is  training  in  character  and  for  the  work  of  the  church ; it  is  far  from  being 
self-centered. 

The  additions  on  confession  in  the  last  five  years  have  been,  — in  the 
first  church,  22%  of  the  present  total  membership,  more  than  half  this 
number  coming  from  the  Sunday-school;  in  the  second  church,  15%; 
in  the  third  church,  25%;  and  in  the  fourth  church,  20%.  All 
the  churches  have  made  a vigorous  net  growth  in  that  period,  though  the 
second  has  made  rather  less  than  the  others.  Three  things  have  probably 
much  affected  the  additions  on  confession:  the  Chapman  revivals  in  two 
or  three;  the  coming  of  new  pastors  in  two,  and  the  rapid  growth  of  popula- 
tion in  one  or  two.  Additions  by  letter  do  not  vary  largely  from  those  on 
confession. 

SUMMARY  OF  INVESTIGATION,  BY  DEPARTMENTS 

1.  The  Sunday-school  naturally,  because  of  its  age  and  nature,  is  the 
largest  and  best  organized  of  any  of  the  subordinate  institutions  of  these 
four  churches.  The  membership  of  these  four  Sunday-schools,  taken  in 
the  order  of  the  churches  themselves,  is  134%  in  the  first  church;  100% 
in  the  second;  109%  in  the  third;  and  90%  in  the  fourth  church.  It  is 
suspected  that  methods  of  recruiting  and  of  retaining  members  should 
modify  some  of  these  percentages. 

2.  Men’s  organizations  are  in  all  of  these  churches,  the  second  having 
two  and  the  fourth  two.  In  the  latter  we  count  the  men’s  Sunday-school 
class  as  one,  on  account  of  its  broad  work  as  a church  organization. 

3.  Women’s  organizations  are  found  in  all  four  churches.  There  is  one 
in  the  first  and  third,  two  in  the  second  church  on  the  list,  and  two  in  the 
fourth. 

4.  Societies  for  the  young  are  maintained  in  all  of  the  churches.  The 
second,  third  and  fourth  have  Y.  P.  S.  C.  E.  societies,  and  the  first  church 
has,  instead,  two  societies  under  the  charge  of  the  Sunday-school.  In 
the  fourth  and  largest  church,  the  organizations  for  the  boys  are  under  the 
care  of  the  Men’s  Class  of  the  Sunday-school,  and  those  for  the  young 
women,  girls,  and  children  are  in  the  care  of  the  women’s  societies. 

5.  A Committee  on  Parish  Work  is  organized  in  the  fourth  church  only, 


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where  it  is  now  a committee  of  100  members  with  a Welcome  Committee 
of  25  to  supplement  its  work. 

SUMMARY  OF  SIGNIFICANT  FACTS 

While  several  of  the  points  that  follow  have  appeared  in  substance 
earlier  in  the  report,  they  are  repeated  here  as  an  important  part  of  this 
more  comprehensive  view  of  the  situation. 

(1)  The  organic  conception  of  a church  is  feeble.  The  separate  origin, 
one  by  one,  of  the  societies  to  meet  some  special  need  accounts  for  this 
fact  very  largely.  The  working  of  the  organizations  separately  has  per- 
petuated this  individualism.  These  independent  bodies  in  the  church  do 
the  real  work  of  the  church  with  slight  responsibility  to  the  church  itself, 
which  may  almost  be  said  to  correspond  to  what  in  business  is  a “ holding 
corporation.”  The  first  and  fourth  churches  have  recovered  in  some  degree 
from  the  conventional,  inorganic  life,  and  show  tendencies  toward  making 
the  church  itself  a democratic  body  for  its  own  work. 

(2)  Planning  of  the  work  by  the  church  as  a whole,  or  by  a body  control- 
ling the  whole  church,  is  attempted  in  only  the  first  and  fourth  churches . 
In  one  of  these  the  work  of  the  church  is  laid  out  in  definite  fashion  by  a 
central  committee,  consisting  of  the  -officers  of  the  church  and  the  heads 
of  the  departments.  Although  a smaller  working  body  might  accomplish 
results  more  satisfactorily,  the  plan  actually  adopted  has  been  effective 
in  practical  achievements. 

(3)  Functional  organization,  that  is,  an  organization  in  which  the 
various  efforts  of  the  church  are  divided  so  that  the  individuals,  or  small 
collections  of  individuals,  are  responsible  for  one  specific  function  of  church 
work,  is  not  clearly  distinguished  from  group  organization,  in  which  an 
individual  or  committee  is  required  to  plan  the  various  departments  of 
work,  arrange  the  details,  and  actually  carry  them  out.  Efficiency  of 
functional  organization  is  illustrated  by  an  educational  committee  in  one 
of  the  churches  which  has  charge  simply  of  the  Sunday-school  lessons. 
The  first  and  fourth  churches  show  a considerable  approach  to  functional 
form. 

(4)  The  abnormal  dependence  on  the  personality  of  the  minister  is  the 
result  of  lack  of  organization  in  certain  of  the  churches.  Their  power 
rises  or  falls  with  the  presence  and  strength  of  his  personality.  There  is 
no  system  to  carry  along  the  church  in  his  absence  or  incapacity.  For 
example,  in  one  of  the  churches  which  in  many  ways  shows  good  organiza- 
tion, the  effectiveness  appears  to  be  due  to  the  fact  that  the  minister  is 
the  central  cog  in  the  machine. 

(5)  Speeding  up  takes  the  place  of  a proper  planning  and  scientifically 
determined  standards.  In  one  of  the  Sunday-schools,  for  example,  the 
enrollment  and  attendance  is  remarkable,  but  this  is  attained  through 
an  elaborate  system  of  rewards  which  place  the  emphasis  on  attendance 
rather  than  on  achievement. 


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(6)  The  idleness  of  the  25%  to  50%  of  the  members  of  these  churches  is 
not  after  all  so  much  to  be  deplored  as  the  smallness  of  the  results  of  those 
who  are  active.  This  is  due  largely  to  defective  organization.  The  de- 
moralizing effect  of  the  failure  to  transform  truth  perceived  into  action 
because  of  its  weakening  of  the  will  and  the  general  influence  of  such 
neglect,  is  full  of  peril  to  the  church  members  themselves  and  robs  society 
of  the  power  the  church  should  have  for  good. 

(7)  What  is  termed  in  education,  “ the  correlation  of  studies,”  and  in 
the  Taylor  system  of  business  management,  “ routing,”  is  not  carried  out 
to  a great  degree  in  the  church  work.  In  the  public  schools  and  in  modern 
business  management,  the  various  studies  and  the  various  operations  are 
carefully  made  to  follow  one  another  in  the  best  possible  sequence.  The 
graded  Sunday-school  acts  on  this  principle  to  a considerable  degree,  but 
the  entire  work  of  the  church  needs  examination  by  the  tests  of  efficiency 
in  this  direction.  For  example,  where  in  the  best  system  should  presiding 
at  meetings,  doing  committee  work,  leading  in  prayer,  and  giving  expres- 
sion to  opinions  on  religious  subjects,  come  in  best  in  a system  of  church 
training? 

(8)  The  coordination  of  the  home  and  the  church  has  received  attention 
only  in  the  fourth  church.  The  testimony  in  all  the  churches  is  that  the 
theory  of  Christian  nurture  has  almost  entirely  taken  the  place  of  conver- 
sion as  a religious  method.  Yet  in  three  of  these  churches  there  is  no  special 
attention  given  to  the  home,  which  is  the  great  natural  source  of  nurture. 

(9)  The  lack  of  provision  for  converting  information  into  real  education 
and  appropriate  action  is  one  of  the  striking  features  common  to  all  these 
churches.  The  contrast  at  this  point  with  the  present  condition  of  the 
educational  world  outside  the  church  is  startling.  There,  tests,  examina- 
tions, original  and  practical  work  prevail  almost  everywhere;  practice 
and  instruction  are  kept  in  close  contact;  and  learning  by  doing  is  widely 
used.  But  in  these  four  churches  the  only  systematic  effort  in  this  direction 
is  that  in  two  of  them  the  minister  relies  on  his  pastoral  work  to  secure 
results.  There  is  no  evidence  that  in  any  of  these  churches  the  sermon  is 
ever  made  the  topic  of  the  midweek  meeting.  Nowhere  apparently  are 
the  desultory  remarks  of  the  midweek  meeting  and  the  crudities  of  the 
young  people’s  meeting  treated  to  wise  and  helpful  criticism  to  lead  on  to 
truth  and  good  habits  of  thinking  on  religious  subjects.  The  lack  of 
authority  that  the  school  has  over  the  student  explains  this  in  part.  But 
in  this  extremely  meager  effort  to  convert  truth  perceived  into  conduct 
and  character  lies  an  enormous  waste  of  the  energies  of  the  pulpit  and  of 
the  church  generally. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT 

Mention  has  been  made  of  the  assistance  of  Dr.  Dike,  Mr.  Kimball,  and 
Mr.  Johnson,  in  forwarding  the  work  of  the  committee.  The  committee 
also  acknowledge  very  great  indebtedness  to  several  business  men,  who  have 
made  the  investigations  possible  by  liberal  contributions  of  money. 


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RECOMMENDATIONS  FOR  CONTINUATION  OF  THE  WORK 

(1)  That  a committee,  with  power  to  add  to  its  number,  if  necessary, 
and  to  raise  money  for  its  expenses,  be  appointed  for  another  year  to  con- 
tinue the  study  and  report  to  the  next  Conference  and  in  any  other  way 
that  may  seem  best. 

(2)  That  our  churches  be  advised  to  take  up  the  study  of  their  own  or- 
ganization, in  cooperation  with  the  committee  and  employing  its  plan  of 
investigation. 

(3)  That  suggestions  be  made  freely  to  the  committee  regarding  any 
phase  of  its  work. 

B.  S.  WINCHESTER. 

S.  E.  THOMPSON. 

O.  D.  EVANS. 

C.  H.  BLATCHFORD. 

A.  C.  BOYDEN. 


APPENDIX 
The  Questionnaire 
INTRODUCTION 

1.  Name  of  person  making  the  investigation. 

2.  Post-office  address. 

3.  Date  when  the  investigation  was  begun. 

4.  Date  when  the  investigation  was  completed. 

5.  Names  of  persons  cooperating  with  investigator. 

STUDY  NO.  1 

6.  Name  and  location  of  church  investigated. 

7.  Character  of  church  membership:  what  proportion  of  the  church  members  are  — 

(а)  men;  (6)  women;  (c)  dependent  minors;  (d)  wealthy;  (e)  middle  class;  (/)  poor;  (p) 
cultured;  ( h ) educated;  (i)  uneducated;  O')  professional;  (A)  commercial;  (f)  industrial; 
(m)  domestic;  (n)  agricultural? 

8.  Character  of  the  community:  what  proportion  of  the  people  are  — (a)  house  owners; 

(б)  renters;  (c)  employers;  (d)  employees,  — commercial;  (d)  employees,  — industrial 
trades? 

9.  Environment:  what  destructive  agencies  are  found  in  this  community,  — (a)  saloons; 
(6)  cheap  shows;  (c)  public  dance  halls? 

10.  Environment:  what  constructive  agencies  are  found  in  this  community,  — (o) 
reading  rooms;  (6)  Y.  M.  C.  A.;  (c)  play  grounds;  (d)  public  charities  under  the  control 
of  the  state,  etc.;  (e)  other  churches  and  social  organizations  — cooperative;  (er)  other 
churches  and  social  organizations  — competitive? 

ORGANIZATION  OF  CHURCH 

(State  number  of  members  in  each  committee  or  other  organization.  Give  form  of 
organization.  State  whether  (a)  officially  affiliated  with  the  church,  (6)  unofficially  affiliated, 
or  (c)  outside  organization  of  indirect  influence  on  the  church.) 

11.  What  officers  and  committees  are  designated  in  the  constitution  and  by-laws? 

12.  Name  women’s  organizations. 

13.  Name  men’s  organizations. 


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14.  Is  the  Sunday-school  graded  or  ungraded? 

15.  Name  the  departments  of  the  school. 

16.  Name  other  young  people’s  organizations. 

MANAGEMENT  OF  THE  ORGANIZATION 

17.  What  central  authority  is  there  in  local  church  over  the  organization? 

18.  To  what  extent  is  the  pastor  making  the  church  organic? 

19.  How  is  he  doing  it? 

20.  How  much  authority  has  he  to  do  it? 

21.  Are  the  constitution  and  rules  of  the  church  calculated  to  make  the  church  organic? 

22.  Are  the  constitution  and  rules  of  the  church  making  the  church  organic? 

PLANNING  THE  WORK 

23.  Is  there  any  committee  or  department  which  definitely  plans  the  activities  of  the 
church?  If  so,  how? 

24.  Are  the  church  workers  instructed  in  definite  fashion  for  the  carrying  out  of  these 
plans? 

25.  How  do  these  organizations  receive  direction  and  aid  from  the  church? 

26.  When  and  how  are  reports  of  their  work  made  to  the  church? 

FUNCTIONS 

27.  What  systematic  or  other  method  is  used  to  secure  the  best  activity  from  every 
member  according  to  his  ability? 

OBJECTS  OF  THE  ORGANIZATIONS  AND  COMMITTEES 

28.  State  avowed  object  of  each  society  and  committee. 

29.  State  real  object  of  each  society  and  committee,  as  seen  by  an  expert. 

CO-OPERATION  OF  ORGANIZATIONS 

30.  To  what  extent  and  how  is  cooperation  obtained  between  these  organizations  and 
homes  and  clubs? 

31.  How  far  is  the  local  church  held  and  treated  as  a systematized  whole,  as  school  or 
business;  or  how  far  are  the  heterogeneous  parts  imperfectly  adjusted  to  each  other? 

32.  To  what  extent  do  organizations  cooperate  in  common  fields? 

33.  How  far  do  these  efforts  overlap?  or,  are  there  gaps  in  the  work? 

34.  Is  there  a general  spirit  of  independence  or  cooperation?  State  cause  of  either. 

SUCCESS  OF  ORGANIZATIONS 

35.  Name  successful  organizations,  and  give  reasons  for  success. 

36.  Name  unsuccessful  organizations,  and  give  reasons  for  failure. 

37.  Name  disbanded  organizations  of  the  last  ten  or  twenty  years.  Why  have  these 
organizations  been  discontinued? 


OUTSIDE  WORK 

38.  What  outside  work  is  being  done  by  church  organizations? 

39.  What  outside  work  is  being  done  by  individual  members  of  the  church? 

40.  What  opportunities  in  this  line  are  not  being  realized  by  the  church? 

INDIVIDUAL  ACTIVITIES 

41.  How  many  persons  are  members  of  more  than  one  organization? 

42.  What  percentage  of  total  membership  is  active  in  some  form  of  practical  church  work? 
What  kinds  of  work  are  included  in  this  list? 


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43.  What  percentage  of  total  membership  is  active  in  several  fields?  What  fields  are 
included  in  this  list? 

44.  What  percentage  of  total  membership  is  practically  idle?  What  is  the  age,  sex, 
and  class  of  these  persons? 


SPECIAL  WORK  IN  THE  CHURCH 

45.  What  organized  effort  is  used  to  increase  the  church  membership? 

46.  What  means  are  taken  to  make  the  entire  membership  of  the  church  informed  as  to 
the  work  and  business  of  the  church?  (Church  papers,  reports,  etc.) 

METHOD  OP  INSTRUCTION  AND  ORGANIZED  RELIGIOUS  WORK 

47.  To  what  extent  is  instruction  given  by  lectures,  personal  guidance,  or  textbook 
method? 

48.  To  what  extent  is  instruction  independent  or  self-elected? 

49.  What  are  the  proportions  of  the  homes  using  the  theory  of  Christian  nurture,  and 
what  those  training  their  children  on  the  theory  of  conversion? 

50.  What  are  the  organizations  and  agencies  of  method  of  instruction? 

51.  Under  whose  direction  are  such  organizations  and  agencies?  How  administered? 

52.  What  are  the  methods  of  organization  in  these  groups  as  bearing  on  instruction? 

53.  Is  Sunday-school  teaching  objective  or  subjective? 

ACHIEVEMENT 

54.  What  methods  are  taken  to  convert  instruction  into  actual  achievement? 

55.  What  methods  are  taken  by  the  pastor  to  make  his  sermons  fruitful? 

FINANCE 

(How  funds  for  church  are  raised  by  various  organizations.  These  facts  should 
include  members  of  both  church  and  congregation.) 

56.  How  many  different  contributors  are  there? 

57.  To  what  extent  do  individual  contributions  vary? 

58.  What  is  the  expense  of  raising  each  fund? 

59.  To  what  extent  is  there  cooperation  in  the  raising  of  funds? 

STUDY  NO.  2 

PUBLIC  WORSHIP  OF  THE  CHURCH 

60.  What  regular  services  of  worship  are  maintained?  At  what  hours? 

Morning  Service 

61.  Give  copy  of  order  of  worship  of  Sunday  morning  service,  and  comment  upon  the 
different  elements  in  the  worship. 

62.  What  is  the  length  of  the  morning  service? 

63.  What  is  the  length  of  the  prayers  respectively? 

64.  Are  printed  prayers  used? 

65.  Is  any  attempt  made  to  secure  audible  participation  by  the  congregation? 

66.  Are  responsive  readings  used? 

67.  Upon  what  principle  are  these  selected,  and  what  is  their  purpose  in  the  worship? 

68.  How  many  hymns  are  used  in  the  service? 

69.  What  is  the  character  of  these  hymns,  and  how  are  they  related  to  the  rest  of  the 
worship? 

70.  How  many  different  hymns  are  probably  used  in  the  course  of  a year? 

71.  What  means  are  taken  to  secure  participation  of  the  congregation  in  the  singing 
of  hymns?  With  what  success? 


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72  What  proportion  of  the  service  is  composed  of  “ special  music  ” by  the  choir?  What 
is  the  nature  of  this  music? 

73.  What  effort  is  made  to  coordinate  this  music  in  thought  or  otherwise  with  the  re- 
mainder of  the  service?  With  what  success? 

74.  Just  what  effect  is  sought  by  the  prayer,  the  hymn,  singing  and  the  sermon  respec- 
tively? How  are  these  related  to  each  other  in  the  service? 

75.  Is  any  attempt  made  to  produce  a unified  impression  by  the  service  as  a whole,  or, 
are  these  elements  kept  relatively  distinct  from  each  other? 

76.  Are  there  any  other  elements  of  worship  which  should  be  noted? 

77.  What  part  has  the  organ  in  the  service? 

78.  What  is  the  character  of  the  organ  selections? 

79.  Are  the  organist  and  choir-director,  at  least,  members  of  the  church? 

80.  Do  the  organist  and  choir-director  work  in  harmony  with  the  plans  of  the  pastor 
and  of  each  other? 

81.  How  are  these  persons  chosen? 

82.  What  is  the  expense  of  the  music? 

83.  What  provision  does  the  church  make  for  the  training  of  the  congregation  to  a 
familiarity  with  its  prayers,  its  hymns,  and  other  material  of  worship? 

84.  What  provision  does  the  church  make  for  training  leaders  in  worship  from  among 
the  young  people  of  its  own  congregation?  (Singers  in  the  choir,  precentors,  organists,  etc.) 

85.  What  proportion  of  the  time  of  the  minister  is  spent  upon  the  preparation  of  the 
worship  as  distinct  from  preaching  and  other  pastoral  duties? 

86.  What  proportion  of  families  of  the  parish  attend  the  morning  service  of  worship? 

87.  Do  they  come  punctually? 

88.  What  effort,  if  any,  is  made  to  give  publicity  to  the  morning  service? 

89.  What  proportion  of  the  attendants  at  the  morning  service  are  non-church  members? 

90.  Do  the  morning  services  differ  much  from  each  other  in  character?  If  so,  how? 

91.  What  is  the  length  of  the  sermon  in  the  morning  service? 

92.  According  to  what  plan  are  the  themes  chosen? 

93.  Does  the  preacher  use  manuscript  or  speak  from  notes,  or  without  notes? 

94.  Which  method  is  the  more  acceptable  and  apparently  the  more  effective  with  the 
congregation? 

95.  What  proportion  of  the  minister’s  time  is  spent  in  the  preparation  of  the  sermon 
for  the  morning  service? 

96.  What  proportion  of  the  sermons  of  the  year  in  the  morning  service  are  doctrinal, 
expository,  practical,  missionary,  etc.? 

97.  Does  the  minister  wear  a pulpit  gown? 

98.  Is  the  choir  vested? 

99.  How  are  these  customs  regarded  by  the  people  generally? 

100.  Which  element  in  the  morning  service  does  the  minister  feel  is  the  most  important? 

101.  Which  seems  to  be  most  highly  esteemed  by  the  congregation? 

102.  Just  what  effect  is  sought  from  the  morning  service? 

Evening  Service 

103.  At  what  hour  is  the  second  service  held  on  Sunday? 

104.  What  is  the  length  of  the  service? 

105.  Give  order  of  worship,  commenting  on  any  features  which  are  strikingly  different 
from  those  in  the  morning  service. 

106.  Do  the  same  people  attend  this  service  as  the  morning  service? 

107.  Do  young  people  predominate? 

108.  Is  there  a larger  element  of  non-church  members? 

109.  Is  the  service  as  largely  attended  as  the  morning  service? 

110.  Are  minister  and  people  conscious  that  either  service  is  in  any  sense  a “ problem  ”? 

111.  If  so,  what  are  the  elements  of  the  problem? 

112.  What  specific  purpose  does  this  second  service  seek  to  accomplish? 

113.  What  means  are  taken  to  give  it  wide  publicity? 


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114.  Do  these  meet  with  gratifying  response? 

115.  Just  what  effect  is  sought  by  the  prayer,  the  hymn,  singing  and  the  sermon  re- 
spectively? How  are  these  related  to  each  other  in  the  service? 

116.  Is  any  attempt  made  to  produce  a unified  impression  by  the  service  as  a whole, 
or,  are  these  elements  kept  relatively  distinct  from  each  other? 

117.  What  would  the  minister  do  with  this  service  if  he  had  his  own  way? 

118.  What  do  the  church  members  wish  to  have  done  with  this  service? 

119.  What  would  non-church  members  do  with  this  service? 

120.  Is  there  a fair  field  of  usefulness  for  such  a service? 

121.  Ought  the  plan  of  this  service,  or  its  time  of  meeting  or  other  methods,  to  be  radically 
changed  in  order  to  meet  existing  conditions?  If  so,  how? 

122.  What  effect  does  the  meeting  of  the  Young  People’s  Society  have  upon  the  attend- 
ance of  this  service? 


The  Communion  Service 

123.  How  often  is  this  service  held? 

124.  At  what  time:  that  is,  in  connection  with  the  morning,  afternoon,  or  evening  service, 
— replacing  one  of  the  regular  services,  or  at  a special  hour? 

125.  Does  this  service  interfere  with  the  Sunday-school? 

126.  What  proportion  of  church  membership  attends  this  service? 

127.  Are  others  than  members  of  this  church  welcome? 

128.  Do  they  come  in  any  numbers? 

129.  What  is  the  method  of  conducting  this  service? 

130.  What  invitation  is  given  for  participation  in  the  Lord’s  Supper? 

131.  What  effect  does  this  service  seem  to  produce  upon  those  who  attend? 

132.  What  reasons  are  assigned  by  others  for  absence? 

133.  Is  this  service  preceded  by  a preparatory  service?  If  so,  when  is  that  held? 

134.  How  is  it  conducted? 

135.  What  is  its  effect? 

136.  What  is  the  proportion  of  attendance  of  church  members? 

The  Prayer  Meeting 

137.  How  many,  and  what  services  purely  for  worship  are  held  at  other  times  than  at 
the  hours  stated  above? 

138.  What  is  the  method  of  conducting  the  week-day  worship  service? 

139.  What  proportion  of  the  church  membership  attends  this  meeting? 

140.  How  many  attend  regularly? 

141.  How  general  is  the  participation  of  the  attendants  in  the  meeting?  By  what  method? 

142.  What  systematic  plan  is  used  for  special  participation  by  different  members  of 
church  and  congregation? 

143.  What  proportion  of  attendants  are  under  twenty-five  years  of  age? 

144.  To  what  extent  do  members  of  Young  People’s  Society  attend? 

145.  What  proportion  of  attendants  are  non-church  members? 

146.  What  part  of  the  time  is  devoted  to  singing?  For  what  purpose? 

147.  What  part  is  devoted  to  prayer?  For  what  objects? 

148.  What  part  is  devoted  to  biblical  instruction,  or  to  discussion  of  ethical  and  practical 
questions  connected  with  everyday  life? 

149.  In  the  course  of  the  year  what  proportion  of  the  meetings  are  devoted  respectively 
to  the  interests  of  the  personal  life  of  the  individual,  the  home,  the  Sunday-school,  the 
church,  the  missionary  cause,  business  or  civic  life? 

150.  What  proportion  of  the  meetings  are  conducted  by  members  of  the  church  other 
than  the  pastor?  What  is  the  nature  of  these  programs? 

151.  What  special  emphasis  is  given  to  these  weekly  meetings  of  worship. 

152.  What  attempt  is  made  at  publicity? 

153.  What  effect  is  sought  by  these  meetings?  What  are  the  apparent  results? 


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154.  What  special  services  of  worship  are  held  during  the  year?  (Thanksgiving,  Christ- 
mas, Easter,  etc.) 

155.  Is  there  a Week  of  Prayer,  Holy  Week,  etc.? 

156.  If  so,  at  what  time? 

157.  How  observed? 

158.  With  what  effect? 

159.  To  what  extent  is  Lenten  season  observed?  In  what  ways,  and  with  what  results? 

160.  How  do  these  services  differ  from  other  services,  as  to  (a)  special  features  in  the 
program;  (6)  sermon  or  other  address;  (c)  publicity;  and  (d)  attendance? 

161.  How  do  these  services  differ  from  other  services,  as  to  the  effect  produced? 

PUBLIC  WORSHIP  AND  THE  COMMUNITY 

162.  How  frequently  are  the  regular  services  of  worship  addressed  by  other  persons 
than  the  pastor?  (Missionaries,  civic  workers,  etc.) 

163.  Are  such  services  more  or  less  effective  than  the  “ ordinary  ” services? 

164.  To  what  extent  are  such  services  effective  in  stimulating  contributions,  civic  effort, 
attracting  strangers,  etc.? 

165.  What  means  are  taken  to  follow  up  the  influence  of  these  services  of  worship? 

• 166.  With  what  success?  , 

167.  In  general  what  effort  is  made  to  keep  all  the  services  of  worship  close  to  the  con- 
crete life  and  needs  of  all  the  people,  and  to  save  them  from  the  tendency  to  become  per- 
functory and  automatic? 

168.  Are  there  any  elements  in  the  community  not  attendant  upon  other  churches  to 
whom  this  church  does  not  minister  in  its  services  of  worship?  (Who  do  not  attend?) 

169.  What  effort  is  made  to  win  the  interest  and  attendance  of  people  of  different  tastes, 
occupations,  social  relationships,  etc.? 

170.  How  generally  are  these  different  kinds  of  people  represented  in  its  membership, 
or  what  proportion  of  the  membership  is  limited  practically  to  one  type  of  people? 

171.  Is  there  any  reason  why  the  church  may  not  minister  more  widely  to  all  types  of 
people? 

172.  What  would  be  necessary  in  order  to  accomplish  this? 

STUDY  NO.  3 

men’s  and  women’s  organizations 

(The  following  questions  should  be  answered  for  each  organization  as  listed  under  ques- 
tions 12  and  13.) 

173.  How  many  resident  members?  (Number  and  sex.) 

174.  How  many  and  what  per  cent  are  enrolled  in  other  organizations? 

175.  To  what  extent  is  specific  effort  made  to  instruct  members  as  to  opportunities  or 
needs  of  the  work  of  the  organization? 

176.  To  what  extent  is  specific  effort  made  to  train  for  efficient  work  in  its  field? 

177.  To  what  extent  is  specific  effort  made  to  inspire  to  sustained  effort? 

178.  To  what  extent  do  the  efforts,  as  outlined  in  175  to  177,  lead  to  specific  social  and 
community  service? 

179.  To  what  extent  is  effort  made,  as  outlined  in  175  to  177,  to  instruct,  train,  and 
inspire  for  religious  character? 

180.  To  what  extent  does  the  organization  try  to  convert  members  or  outsiders,  or  in- 
fluence them  to  become  church  members? 

181.  How  far  is  the  organization  in  its  aims  and  spirit  self-centered? 

182.  How  far  does  its  influence  react  to  benefit  the  central  church;  that  is,  does  it  aim 
to  develop  a spirit  of  loyalty  to  this  institution? 

183.  What  committees  has  this  organization,  and  what  is  the  work  of  each? 

184.  Is  there  any  other  working  force?  If  so,  what? 

185.  Is  the  work  definitely  planned  in  advance,  or  is  it  left  to  the  initiative  of  committees 
or  of  individuals? 


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186.  To  what  extent  is  the  work  supervised  and  accounted  for  within  the  organization? 

187.  To  what  extent  does  the  central  church,  or  its  representative  body,  plan,  supervise, 
and  receive  account  of  the  work  of  the  organization?  By  what  methods? 


STUDY  NO.  4 

SUNDAY-SCHOOL 

Organization 

188.  How  is  the  superintendent  elected? 

189.  How  are  other  officers  elected? 

190.  Are  the  duties  of  the  officers  defined? 

191.  To  whom  are  the  officers  responsible? 

192.  Are  the  secretary  and  treasurer  men  or  women  of  ability  who  keep  the  records 
accurately? 

193.  What  records  are  kept  by  the  secretary?  (Attendance,  offerings  by  classes,  weather, 
lesson,  church  attendance,  church  membership,  etc.) 

194.  What  records  are  kept  by  the  teachers  of  the  mental  and  other  characteristics  of 
the  pupils?  (Their  development,  faithfulness,  etc.) 

195.  What  records  are  kept  by  the  teachers  as  individuals? 

196.  What  records  are  kept  by  teachers  as  a part  of  the  official  records? 

197.  Are  the  secretary’s  reports  read  every  Sunday,  or  in  some  other  way  brought  to 
the  attention  of  the  school? 

198.  How  are  the  teachers  chosen? 

199.  By  what  definite  plan  are  men  or  women  selected  for  classes  of  different  ages  and  sex. 

200.  How  large  are  the  classes? 

201.  How  are  substitute  teachers  chosen? 

202.  How  are  substitute  teachers  asked  to  take  a class?  (By  superintendent,  assistant 
superintendent,  special  person,  teacher,  etc.) 

203.  Are  any  of  the  teachers  paid  for  their  services? 

204.  How  many  are  public-school  teachers? 

205.  What  is  the  total  membership  of  the  school?  (Pupils,  teachers,  and  officers.) 

206.  What  percentage  is  school  membership  of  church  membership? 

207.  What  is  the  membership  of  school  in  numbers  and  percentage,  of  pupils  above 
thirteen  years  or  grammar-school  age  (state  which  limit  is  selected)  and  below  eighteen 
years,  (i.  e.,  above  high-school  age)? 

208.  Give  similar  figures  for  those  above  eighteen  years. 

209.  What  plan  or  system,  if  any,  is  used  to  keep  up  attendance? 

210.  What  plan  or  system  is  employed  to  look  up  absentees? 

211.  Is  any  one  delegated  to  this  function  or  is  it  left  to  teachers  to  make  occasional, 
spasmodic  attempts  to  look  up  absentees? 

212.  At  what  age  and  in  what  proportion  do  youth  begin  to  drop  out  of  the  Sunday- 
school? 

213.  What  are  the  causes? 

214.  What  means  are  taken  to  hold  them,  and  to  what  extent  are  these  successful? 

Instruction 

215.  On  what  pedagogical  principle  is  the  school  organized? 

216.  Is  the  school  graded,  wholly  or  in  part? 

217.  How  are  grade  limits  defined?  (By  age  or  day-school  grade,  or  both.) 

218.  Are  the  grade  limits  maintained? 

219.  Who  determines  the  course  of  study? 

220.  How  is  it  adapted  to  the  different  grades  or  departments? 

221.  What  is  the  arrangement  of  rooms  for  class  work? 

222.  How  fully  is  the  school  supplied  with  maps,  charts,  blackboards,  reference  books, 
kindergarten  supplies,  stereopticon,  etc.? 


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223.  By  what  methods  does  the  Sunday-school  seek  to  correlate  its  instruction  with 
that  of  the  day  school? 

224.  What  is  the  general  method  of  instruction  in  the  different  grades?  (Subjective 
or  objective.) 

225.  What  principles  of  teaching  are  recognized  and  applied? 

226.  Is  there  any  oral  instruction  by  superintendent  or  assistants? 

227.  Is  there  definite  study  of  the  Bible  other  than  to  answer  questions  in  quarterly? 

228.  Are  permanent  textbooks  used  in  any  grades? 

229.  Is  memory  work  required?  If  so,  when,  what  age,  and  how  much? 

230.  Is  record  kept  of  lesson  study  by  pupils? 

231.  What  successful  methods  are  used  to  encourage  home  study?  When  are  these 
plans  begun? 

232.  Do  pupils  write  out  their  lessons  or  answers  to  questions  at  school? 

233.  What  methods  are  used  similar  to  those  used  at  the  day  school? 

234.  What  means  are  taken  to  make  biblical  instruction  vitally  interesting?  (To  children, 
to  youth,  to  older  people.) 

235.  What  means  are  taken  for  testing  biblical  knowledge?  Are  these  successful? 

236.  How  are  reviews  conducted? 

237.  To  what  extent  do  the  members  get  a working  knowledge  of  the  Bible?  (Its  pur- 
pose, structure,  history,  geography,  and  literature.) 

238.  How  are  promotions  determined  and  conducted? 

239.  Does  the  instruction  command  the  same  respect  from  the  pupils  as  is  given  the 
public  school  work?  Why,  or  why  not? 

240.  Are  there  any  special  features  in  the  instruction  that  are  worthy  of  note? 

241.  Do  the  pastor’s  sermons  have  any  special  bearing  on  the  Sunday-school  instruction? 

242.  Are  new  methods  being  tried  in  any  of  the  classes? 

243.  What  methods  are  used  for  training  in  worship  and  in  the  expression  of  feeling? 

244.  How  are  these  related  to  the  other  work  of  instruction? 

245.  What  qualifications  are  teachers  required  to  meet? 

246.  Is  there  any  form  of  teacher-training  class?  If  so,  describe. 

247.  Does  the  Sunday-school  provide,  in  regular  session,  classes  for  the  training  of 
those  who  are  to  become  its  teachers? 

248.  Is  the  lesson  studied  by  the  teachers  in  groups,  or  by  departments? 

249.  Do  the  teachers  receive  any  suggestions  or  instructions  as  to  the  methods  of  teach- 
ing and  the  theology  to  be  taught? 

250.  Are  teachers’  meetings  held  at  stated  times? 

251.  Under  whose  leadership? 

252.  What  are  the  aims  of  the  teachers’  meetings?  (Instruction  in  lessons,  or  manage- 
ment of  school.) 

253.  To  what  extent  are  the  meetings  successful?  Why? 

254.  Are  there  any  teachers  who  have  had  special  training  for  their  work? 

Relation  to  the  Church 

255.  Is  the  school  run  by  the  superintendent  as  an  absolute  monarch;  or  does  he  act 
by  vote  of  the  officers  and  teachers;  or  is  he  instructed  by  or  advised  by  a committee  of 
the  church? 

256.  What  Sunday-school  duties  does  the  pastor  take  upon  himself? 

257.  How  many  pupils  between  thirteen  and  eighteen  years  are  members  of  a church? 
Boys?  Girls? 

258.  How  many  of  these  have  united  during  the  past  five  years?  (Give  age  and  sex.) 

259.  What  means  are  taken  to  interest  the  children  and  young  people  in  the  meaning 
and  value  of  church  membership? 

260.  To  what  extent  do  the  teachers  and  parents  cooperate  in  this  matter? 

261.  To  what  extent  do  children  attend  the  church  services? 

262.  Is  the  belief  in  Christian  nurture,  or  in  a marked  conversion,  predominant  among 
teachers  and  parents?  What  is  the  effect? 


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263.  How  are  young  converts  trained  into  service  after  joining  the  church? 

264.  What,  if  any,  definite  cooperation  has  the  school  with  the  Christian  Endeavor 
organization? 


Activities 

265.  By  what  methods  does  the  Sunday-school  seek  to  secure  the  expression  of  religious 
thought  and  sentiment  in  appropriate  activity? 

266.  What  social  activities  has  the  school?  Under  whose  direction? 

267.  In  what  lines  of  active  service  are  the  members  of  the  school  interested?  How  do 
they  contribute? 

268.  Are  there  any  organizations  for  practical  work  among  the  classes? 

269.  To  what  extent  is  the  school  effective  in  social  service? 

STUDY  NO.  5 

YOUNG  PEOPLE’S  SOCIETY  OF  CHRISTIAN  ENDEAVOR 

Membership  and  Attendance 

270.  What  is  the  membership  of  the  society? 

271.  What  proportion  of  the  members  are  active,  associate,  honorary? 

272.  Are  there  age  limits?  If  so,  give  them. 

273.  What  is  the  proportion  of  boys  to  girls?  Men  to  women? 

274.  Are  the  chief  officers  boys  or  girls?  Men  or  women? 

275.  Is  the  idea  to  narrow  the  society  to  a chosen  few  who  are  willing  to  keep  the  letter 
of  the  pledge? 

276.  Is  the  spirit  of  the  society  denominational,  or  does  it  welcome  to  membership 
representatives  of  all  churches? 

277.  How  many  additions  to  the  church  from  the  society  during  the  past  few  years? 
(Given  by  years.) 


Organization  and  Committee  Work 

278.  What  is  the  most  influential  organization? 

279.  Is  the  society  divided  into  committees  in  accordance  with  the  Constitution  of  the 
United  Societies  irrespective  of  size  and  character  of  membership? 

280.  Is  the  attempt  made  to  form  committees  to  meet  the  particular  needs  of  the  young 
people  and  the  church? 

281.  Does  each  committee  set  itself  a definite  task  or  tasks  in  fulfilling  its  mission? 

282.  For  how  long  are  the  officers  and  committees  chosen? 

283.  Is  the  nominating  committee  selected  by  the  president? 

284.  Does  the  nominating  committee  give  sufficient  time  and  use  discrimination  in 
making  nominations? 

285.  Does  it  try  to  find  simply  who  will  serve,  or  who  will  serve  efficiently? 

286.  Is  the  talent  in  the  society  taken  into  account  in  mapping  out  the  work  to  be  ac- 
complished? 

287.  Do  the  committees  or  individual  members  attempt  to  do  what  they  are  not  fitted 
to  do,  and  thus  make  failures? 

288.  Do  the  committees  plan  and  carry  out  their  work  independently  of  each  other, 
or  are  plans  submitted  to  society  assembled? 

289.  Is  the  roll  called  every  month,  and  proper  records  kept  by  the  secretary  and  reported 
to  the  proper  committee? 

290.  How  is  the  society  supported:  by  pledges  of  money,  by  lectures,  by  entertainments? 

291.  Does  the  treasurer  attend  to  his  duties  in  a businesslike  way? 

Relation  to  the  Church 

292.  Does  the  society  have  the  sympathy  and  support  of  the  pastor  in  meetings?  (Prayer, 
committee,  and  social.) 


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293.  Is  the  society  recognized  by  the  church  as  a body  which  can  be  called  upon  for 
cooperation  in  various  ways? 

294.  When  are  the  meetings  held? 

295.  Is  the  Sunday  meeting  a detriment  to  other  services  of  the  church? 

296.  What  proportion  of  the  young  people  in  the  church  are  members? 

297.  What  proportion  of  society  members  are  church  members? 

Meetings  and  Aim 

298.  Is  the  leadership  of  the  meetings  confined  to  the  members? 

299.  Is  the  aim  to  have  a good  prayer  meeting,  to  do  some  service  for  the  church,  to 
bring  together  the  young  people  socially,  or  all  of  these? 

300.  Does  the  society  attract  those  who  are  not  in  the  Sunday-school  or  church? 

301.  Is  any  definite  time  given  to  the  study  of  missions?  Civic  interests? 

^02.  Is  the  principal  emphasis  on  Christian  endeavor  for  young  people,  or  young  people 
for  Chiistian  endeavor;  or  both? 

303.  What  does  the  society  attempt  financially  outside  of  itself? 

304.  Does  it  attempt  missionary  work?  (Visiting  the  sick,  poor  families,  assisting  at 
city  missions,  cooperating  with  the  flower  mission,  etc.) 


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